Frequently asked skin care questions: A master thread

I get a TON of DMs about skin care and even though I love to talk about it there are things that consistently come up. I’ve been dying to do a master list for while.

Skin care can be overwhelming and requires lots of trial-and-error. I like to think of it like cooking: there are some universal truths but, for the most part, it’s about preference and what works for you.

These are the answers to the questions and concerns I run into the most.

• Skin care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Just because it worked for your BFF doesn’t mean it will work for you.

• There are very affordable brands that are amazing but sometimes you get what you pay for.

• Ingredients matter. Learn to read labels and find what works for you and what doesn’t.

• Cure-alls don’t exist. There is no miracle in a jar.

• Breakouts are different from allergies or irritation. Irritation from a product will (mostly) be uniform in size, color and/or distance apart. Breakouts are as unpredictable as the Wild West.

• You can use a product for 25 years and still develop an irritation to it one day.

• Skin care is a marathon. You will very, very rarely see results in less than 2-3 weeks minimum.

• Your phone screen, the air you breathe and the sun are all ruining your skin. Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin A (retinoids) and niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and SUNSCREEN are the ways to protect yourself.

• Dehydrated skin and dry skin are two different things.

• Skin care is preventative. You can’t undo what the sun and gravity did to you over 20 years with a cream one day.

• Every brand has its own definition of “clean” so do your research.

• Natural isn’t always better — poison ivy is natural.

• Oil is good for your skin. (Even if you’re oily.)

• Skin texture is normal.

• Sheet masks are pretty useless but they’re very fun.

• For the most part, you should apply your skin care products in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest (Cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, moisturizer, oil)

• Retinoids should be applied right to the skin.

• SPF is always applied as the last step of your skin care routine.

• “Non-toxic” doesn’t actually mean anything.

• Using a makeup wipe in place of washing your face is the equivalent of cleaning your entire house with a dry paper towel.

• Dark circles are either hereditary or from sinus issues, lack of sleep, etc. The cause determines the action.

• Look into that “cruelty-free” brand. If they’re sold in mainland China, they must test on animals.

• If it’s not in the first 5-10 ingredients listed on the bottle, it’s only a trace amount.

• Pores don’t open and close. Moist heat will loosen the sebum inside and make it easier to get that shit out. Clean pores look “tighter” but pore size is, unfairly, genetic.

• Blackheads are different from sebaceous filaments. The latter cannot be squeezed out so don’t even try. See a professional.

• Retinoids are the best thing for your skin and you will get the most potent retinoid from a derm.

• You should have at least one active in your skin care routine.

• Don’t waste your money on a boob or butt mask — they have the same ingredients as your face masks.

• You need to wear sunscreen every day.

• Please stop trying to use an at-home dermaroller. Get to a professional.

• Speaking of, schedule a facial a few times a year. Think of it like getting your teeth cleaned.

• Do your research on the pros you see and make sure they’re licensed. There are tons of wackadoos out there who will tell you to rub sugar and tomato juice on your face for clear skin. If that happens, RUN.

• You don’t need a 12-step routine but you need to cleanse, moisturize, use SPF daily and exfoliate occasionally.

• Skin care can be super overwhelming. Start with the basics and go from there. If you don’t want to, don’t.

Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT

Gia Mazur

Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune's Lifestyles department in 2015. She's a product enthusiast who can't live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT